Senator is the author of the first net neutrality bill introduced in the House of Representatives in 2006

Washington (May 18, 2017) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement today after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 2-1 to start the process of undoing net neutrality rules and the classification of broadband service under Title II of the Communications Act.

“Instead of preserving a free and open internet, Chairman Pai and the Trump FCC are taking steps to restrict innovation, economic growth and democratic expression by voting to roll back net neutrality rules.

“This attack on net neutrality is just one piece of the Republicans’ effort to dismantle the basic protections safeguarding American families. Instead of protecting our privacy, our health care, our environment, or our access to a free and open internet, the Republicans want to hand that power over to big corporations that don’t care about consumers’ rights. These companies have only one concern – their bottom line.

“More than one million comments have already been submitted to the FCC, and the movement to defend net neutrality will not stop. I will continue to oppose any regulatory efforts by Chairman Pai to undo or roll back the Open Internet Order. And I will oppose any legislative efforts that weaken or undermine the Open Internet Order.”